Volvo XC90 B5
Spacious interior and a switch to mild-hybrid power for refreshed Swedish SUV
THE new Volvo XC90 B5 (D) is similar to the previous D5 model, but the change to a ‘B’ denotes an updated powertrain with mild-hybrid technology. Here we’re testing the Inscription model (R-Design shown), which costs £56,985.
Design & engineering
VOLVO is pushing ahead with its promise to electrify all of its models. The key thing to note in this new B5 (D) model, though, is that its hybrid set-up is ‘mild’. It can’t be charged using a plug, nor can it run on electric power alone. Instead, this system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost under braking and then uses it to give a small boost to the engine through a 48V electrical system and a starter/generator, improving fuel economy by up to 15 per cent.
Despite the updates, the B5 offers the same 232bhp and 480Nm of torque as the old D5, but this is still 10bhp less than the GLE 300 d. The XC90 uses an eight-speed gearbox driving all four wheels.
The Inscription model we’re testing here comes with steel springs as standard, but air suspension is available if you go for Inscription Pro or pay the £2,150 it costs as an individual option (it was fitted to our test car). This lets you change the ride height, while the various driving modes adjust the damping.
The interior is unchanged from the D5, but that’s not a bad thing because the neat, clean design, with a large portrait touchscreen and high-quality materials, is one of the best around. The screen looks a little small in the huge dashboard when you put it next to the Mercedes with its huge twin screens, but the Volvo’s elegant design scores it plenty of points.
Inscription models are well equipped as standard, with 20-inch alloys, heated Nappa leather seats, two-zone climate control, LED headlights, and that nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, and a 12.3-inch digital dash.
Driving
THE electric motor in most hybrid models is a big part of the driving experience, but the mild nature of the set-up here means you barely notice a difference. Even the re-worked brakes (to allow energy recovery) don’t feel noticeably different to the D5’s, and the engine’s power delivery is very similar.
The four-cylinder engine produces 232bhp and 480Nm of torque (from 1,750rpm), so there’s plenty of performance, even though the Volvo wasn’t quite as fast as the GLE in our tests.
The XC90 took eight seconds to reach 60mph, which was 0.6 seconds behind its rival, but on the road both cars have plenty of pulling power to get you up to speed, even with seven people on board.
For example, 50-70mph in fifth gear took 5.5 seconds in both models here, which is more than quick enough and gives plenty of flexibility. The Volvo’s engine sounds harsh at higher revs, but the soundproofing is good and most of the time the B5 unit is slightly more refined than the Mercedes’ 300 d.
There’s more wind noise in the Volvo, though; it’s a little louder than the Mercedes at motorway speeds.
The gearbox shifts smoothly and swiftly enough, while our car’s Active Four-C Chassis air suspension
delivers a reasonably smooth ride in Comfort mode, although those 20-inch alloys are noticeable. Switching to Dynamic stiffens it up, but the reduction in ride quality is greater than the increase in body control, so it’s not worth it. The difference is small, but the Volvo is more comfortable than its rival here, helped by the supportive seats. It’s good to drive, too, because the steering is slightly more precise than the GLE’s and body control is acceptable given the XC90’s size.
Practicality
ALL XC90s are seven-seaters as standard, and the Volvo is a bit more spacious than the GLE – especially in the third row. However, it’s still not quite big enough for adults to sit comfortably. Short trips will be fine, but longer journeys will be more uncomfortable.
Access to the third row is achieved by climbing over the (manually folding) second row from either of the rear doors, because there’s not enough room to get in via the hatch boot. It’s the same in the GLE. Although the middle row folds electrically, the Volvo’s slightly roomier interior and higher roof mean it’s less awkward.
The XC90’s best feature is its boot space, though. At 302 litres with all seven seats in place, it’s able to take luggage along with a full load of passengers; the Mercedes is 172 litres down on the Volvo. Folding the seats down opens up 680 litres of boot space in the XC90, which is 50 litres more than its German rival, and with all the five rear seats folded there’s a total of 1,856 litres available. The GLE beats the Volvo here, though, with 2,055 litres.
Ownership
VOLVO is known for its safety, and the brand has set a target of zero deaths in any of its cars by 2020. To reach that goal, the XC90 gets AEB, lane-keep assist, run-off-road mitigation and traffic-sign recognition. It’s a shame that blind-spot assist isn’t standard, but the £500 Intellisafe Surround is worth it and adds this, plus cross-traffic assist and rear collision mitigation.
Running costs
WHILE the Volvo’s new B5 engine helped it return slightly higher fuel economy than the Merc, it doesn’t make much difference to company car buyers.
It still sits in the maximum 37 per cent Benefit-inKind (BiK) category, resulting in a tax bill of £8, 299 for higher-rate earners. The slightly lower list price means that’s a bit less than the GLE’s £8,358 bill, but a £320 surcharge for road tax results in a fairly hefty £465 annual VED bill for both.